Sheffield United are continuing their pursuit of Ashley Phillips despite facing multiple rejections from Tottenham Hotspur.
Under new boss Ruben Selles following his shock sacking from Hull City, The Blades are looking to build a squad capable of reaching the Premier League after losing out on promotion through Tommy Watson’s late winner for Sunderland at Wembley. United have finally begun losing key players as a result of that defeat, with Vini Souza expected to join Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
Phillips Chase Continues
According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon page, Sheffield United have seen multiple bids for Phillips rejected as they look to recruit new centre-backs. The Blades were left with just two senior options for long stretches last season in Jack Robinson and Anel Ahmedhodzic, highlighting a need for depth in the position.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with Stoke City, making 39 appearances across the season. The Potters had a tricky season, with mid-season managerial changes as Steven Schumacher, Narcis Pelach and eventually Mark Robins all led the club at one stage.
It is believed that Selles’ side will continue their attempts to sign the Spurs defender, and would be willing to pay £6 million to secure his services on a permanent deal. However, this is complicated by new boss Thomas Frank’s willingness to keep the Welsh defender in North London this season.
Phillips is not the only choice United are looking at in the position, with Selles looking at recruiting defender Tyler Bindon from former club Reading.
Writers’ View
A move for Ashley Phillips will go a long way to helping ease defensive worries for Sheffield United. After failing to sign Jimmy Dunne from Queens Park Rangers in January, The Blades were left in a very precarious position at centre-back throughout the second half of the season, and were perhaps lucky that neither Robinson or Ahmedhodzic were ruled out for prolonged periods. However, a deal for the 20-year-old will not come easily. Tottenham had perhaps the opposite luck to Chris Wilder’s side, losing practically all of their four main centre-back options for long stretches of the season, forcing players like Archie Gray to become makeshift defenders. Keeping this in mind may be a reason why Thomas Frank wants to keep his youth defender at the club.
